Feeding your reptile involves more than just offering food—it’s about creating a safe, hygienic, and enriching feeding experience that matches your reptile’s natural instincts. Whether you’re caring for a snake, gecko, lizard, or tortoise, using the right feeding tools can make a big difference in your pet’s health and your daily routine.
In this guide, we’ll cover the essential feeding accessories every reptile keeper should have—and why they matter.
1. Feeding Tongs & Tweezers
Feeding tongs are one of the most essential tools for any reptile owner, especially when handling live insects or frozen prey.
Why They’re Important:
- Keep your hands safe from accidental bites (especially with snakes)
- Reduce stress by minimizing direct contact
- Allow precise placement of food near hides or basking areas
- Ideal for stimulating hunting behavior
Browse our range of reptile feeding tools and equipment for stainless steel and soft-grip tongs.
Tip: Use longer tongs (10–12 inches) for snakes and larger lizards, and shorter ones for geckos and smaller species.
2. Reptile Food & Water Dishes
Not all dishes are created equal—reptiles require dishes that are safe, stable, and species-appropriate.
Key Features to Look For:
- Low-profile bowls for easy access (especially for geckos and tortoises)
- Weighted or non-tip bases to prevent spills
- Textured exteriors for better grip on smooth surfaces
- Easy-to-clean materials (ceramic or resin preferred)
Specialized Options:
- Worm dishes with smooth sides to prevent escape
- Elevated dishes for arboreal species like crested geckos
- Dual food/water combo bowls for compact setups
Check our reptile feeding collection for high-quality feeding dishes.
3. Insect Feeding Enclosures or Trays
Feeding live insects inside the main enclosure can be messy and stressful for your reptile.
Benefits of Using a Separate Feeding Tray:
- Prevents insects from hiding in substrate
- Reduces mess and contamination in the enclosure
- Makes monitoring food intake easier
- Ideal for juvenile reptiles in high-feeding phases
You can use a plastic tote, shallow tub, or a purpose-built tray with high sides.
4. Calcium & Vitamin Dusting Cups
Supplements like calcium powder with D3 and multivitamins are essential for many reptiles—but they need to be applied properly.
How to Use Dusting Cups
- Place live insects in a cup with supplement powder
- Gently shake or swirl to coat them evenly
- Transfer to feeding dish or tong-feed immediately
This method ensures that your reptile ingests supplements along with their food.
Shop our reptile healthcare range for dusting powders and multivitamin blends.
5. Thermometers Near Feeding Areas
Temperature plays a crucial role in digestion and appetite. Reptiles won’t eat or digest properly if the enclosure is too cold.
Why You Need It:
- Ensure basking zones are hot enough during feeding time
- Prevent feeding during cold, inactive periods
- Monitor warm vs cool side feeding behaviors
Place a digital thermometer or temperature gun near your feeding zone to ensure proper conditions.
Pair with our reptile heating collection for optimal basking setups.
6. Cleaning Tools for Feeding Hygiene
Unclean bowls and leftover food can lead to mold, mites, and health problems.
Essential Cleaning Tools:
- Small scrub brushes or bottle brushes for bowls
- Reptile-safe disinfectant sprays
- Feeding tweezers for removing leftovers
- Paper towels or microfibre cloths
Spot-clean after each feeding, and deep-clean dishes and tools weekly.
7. Travel or Quarantine Feeding Kits
If you plan to travel or isolate a reptile during illness or quarantine, a portable feeding setup is useful.
Recommended Kit Includes:
- Small feeding tongs
- Compact dishes
- Packets of dry food or pre-portioned live insects
- Rehydration supplements
- Paper towel substrate for quick cleanup
These kits are also great for new pet setups, breeders, or reptile shows.
Bonus: Enrichment Accessories for Feeding Time
Feeding time is also an opportunity for mental and physical stimulation.
Try:
- Placing insects in hard-to-reach areas
- Using platforms or branches to encourage foraging
- Offering food on different surfaces or from new angles
This mimics natural hunting behaviors and reduces boredom in captivity.
Final Thoughts: Feeding Tools Improve Health & Safety
Investing in a few high-quality feeding accessories can:
- Prevent injuries and reduce stress
- Keep your enclosure clean and safe
- Make supplementing easier
- Enhance your reptile’s daily routine
No matter the species—from dart frogs to ball pythons—these tools are simple upgrades that go a long way in responsible reptile care.
Shop Feeding Essentials at Charterhouse Aquatics
We’ve stocked everything you need for smooth, safe, and enriching feeding:
- Reptile food and water dishes
- Calcium and vitamin supplements
- Thermometers and heating accessories
